Jake S. Truscott

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Political Science & International Affairs

Jake Truscott is a second-year PhD student at the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs. He is interested in researching the history and development of legal theory and American Constitutional Law, with a special focus on the United States Supreme Court.

Education

University of Nevada Reno (2015-2018)

B.A. Political Science

B.A. International Affairs: Law, Diplomacy, and Organization

George Mason University (Fall 2016)

More About

Originally from the City of Roseville in California’s beautiful Central Valley, Jake was a graduate of Woodcreek High School in 2015 where he competed in Speech and Debate and Division I High School Rugby. Prior to pursuing a graduate degree, Jake received dual B.A.’s in Political Science and International Affairs with a focus in Law, Diplomacy, and Organization from the University of Nevada, Reno (2018). Amongst his accolades at Nevada, Jake was the recipient of the 2017-2018 Sidney W. Robinson Memorial Scholarship Award for presenting his original work concerning Jeffersonian beliefs on constitutional interpretation and government, and its controversial relationship with foundational principles of Anglo-American common law. Additionally, he served as a Projects Director within the Nevada student government (ASUN), as well as a research assistant working on a project related to reducing non-violent penal recidivism rates across the Nevada Department of Corrections.

His pursuit of a graduate degree stems largely from his passion for American government and law. In recent years, Jake has worked across the American political and legal system in various capacities, including an internship during the opening months of (now) Senator Catherine Cortez Masto’s (D-NV) senatorial campaign, as well as at the 2nd Judicial District Court of the State of Nevada. However, he is most proud of his time served at the Supreme Court of the United States during the Fall of 2016, where he was able to work closely with the Clerk of Court managing the administrative and research arm of the nation’s highest court.

Jake was influenced largely to seek a graduate degree at Georgia due in large part to the everlasting support and influence from his mentors at Nevada, as well as from his family in California. While at Georgia, Jake hopes to undertake research and other academic opportunities that look at the theory, development, and application of America’s system of law. Additionally, he hopes to broaden his knowledge and skills related to mass polling and survey analytics.

Of Note

Intern, Supreme Court of the United States (Fall 2016)

Intern, 2nd Judicial District Court of Nevada (Summer 2018)

Intern, Campaign to Elect Catherine Cortez Masto to the United States Senate (2015-2016)

Op-Ed Contributor, Nevada Sagebrush and UGA Red & Black

Director of Projects, Department of Legislative Affairs, Associated Students of the University of Nevada, Reno (2017-2018)

Honors, Awards, and Achievements

2017 Sidney M. Robinson Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Research Interests

Jake is interested in researching judicial decision-making and the American legal system, as well as the intersections between public opinion and American elections. From the aspect of judicial studies, he is especially interested in researching how the United States Supreme Court maintains a consistent perception of legitimacy with such a divisive bench ruling on salient issue areas. As it relates to public opinion and American elections, Jake is interested in studying survey data analytics in an era where survey data is heavily scrutinized, yet still incredibly useful in shaping public policy initiatives and campaigns.